Manual control for copying machine



Dec. 30, 1969 A J. Dl GIULIO 3,486,819

MANUAL CONTROL FOR COPYING MACHINE Filed Oct. 7, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet lDec. 30, 1969 A. J. DI GIULIO I MANUAL CONTROL FOR COPYING MACHINE 2 mMN W 2 m mp MJ mm W 6 Filed Oct.

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MANUAL CONTROL FOR COPYING MACHINE Filed Oct. '7, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet 5jQH/Q 3,486,819 Patented Dec. 30, 1969 U ed. State Pate Ofiice us. or.sss+14- 7 Claims -ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A photoelectrostaticcopying machine includes an original supporting table which isreciprocated past an illuminating station to produce a light image ofthe original which isdirectedon a uniformly charged surface of acopyshe'etat an exposing station.'The copysheet is the'n developed andis discharged frornthe machine. The copy sheets are fed from a supplyinto the machine by a first ,feeding assembly and through thefmachine.by a. second assembly. A group of push button switches controloperation of the two feeding assernbliesto provide manual copy machineoperation, continuous copy machine operation, and operation'of thecopying machine to produce a given number of copies.

This invention relates to a photoelectrostatic copying machine and, moreparticularly, to such a machine in- "cluding new and improved controlmeans for selectively conditioning the copying machine to makecopies invaryingnumbers and manners. 1

Copying machines, such as those of the.xerographic or photoelectrictype," common ly include controls by whichthe machine can be adjustedtoautomatically make a selected number of copiesof a givengraphicforiginal. These.arrangeme"nts frequently include'an assembly forsequentially ffeeding'copy sheets from a supply thereof to themachinelThus, if copies are'to be made on various sizes of sheets, it isnecessary to change the supply of paper inthe sheet feeding assemblyeach timethat it iSdesired to change even one copy. Further, it isdesirable to be able to change the number of copies in a copy orderafter the machinehas started without introducing the possibility thatthe machine may fail to recognize the change in the order and produceexcessive copies.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved photoelectrostaticcopying machine. I v Another object is toprovide a photoelectrostatic copy ing machine including new andimproved, copy control means. I I I -Ariother object is to' provide aphotoelectrostatic copyingmachine including manually operable means forcondition'in'gthe machine to make, different selected numbers of copies,on sheets fedfrom a copy'sheet supply or to make copies on sheetsmanually supplied to the machine. AI further objectis. to provide aphotoelectro-static copying machine including new and improved controlmeans for, selectively conditioning the machine for the continuousproduction ,of copies orthe production of different selected numbers ofcopies. 1 1 A ,further object is to provide a ,photoelectrostaticcopying machine having a new and improved copy control :whichfacilitates and permits changing copy orders in process by the machine.I

A further object is to provide a new and improved control for a copyingmachine including a plurality of manually operable selector switches, afirst group of which areinterlockedwith each other to permit only' asingle switch to be operated to select the number of copies to beautomatically produced, another one of which controls the machine tocontinuously produce copies, and a further one of which disablesautomatic operation of the copying machine and permits the machine to becontrolled by the manual feeding of copy sheets to the machine.

In accordance with these and many other objects, an embodiment of theinvention comprises a photoelectrostatic copying machine having ahousing containing an exposing system with an illuminating area at whicha graphic original is illuminated to provide a reflected light imagethat is directed to impinge on a charged photoelectrostatic member at anexposing area. The member, which can comprise a sheet of copy paper, isfed from a supply thereof by a second sheet feeding means and thenthrough a charging station by a first feeding means at which a uniformelectrostatic charge is imparted to one or both of its surfaces. Thissheet is then fed by the first feeding means in synchronism with the.movement of the graphic original to be copied past the exposure area atwhich the light image selectively discharges the charged surface todefine a latent electrostatic image.

The sheet is then transported by the first feeding means through adeveloper station in which the electrostatic image is converted to aloose powder image and is then forwarded through a fuser unit in whichthe powder image is placed in a permanent form. The copy sheet is thendischarged from the machine.

' In accordance with the present invention, the copying machine isprovided with a copy control circuit including a plurality of manuallyoperable selector switches.

Each of the switches represents a given number of copies and, whenoperated, places the copying components of the machine and the first andsecond sheet feeding means in operation to produce the number of copiesrequired. After the machine has been started, the actuation of anyswitch representing the number of copies then produced or a greaternumber is effective to change the order without causing improperoperation of the machine. One additional or manual selector switch, whenoperated, actuates the copying components and the first feeding meansand inhibits operation of the second feeding meansto permit sheets ofdifferent size from those in the supply to be manually fed into themachine. Another additional or continuous selector switch, whenoperated, places the copying components and the first and second feedingmeans in operation but inhibits a stop or .release assembly in thecontrol circuit so that copies are continuously produced until themachine is stopped by a reset switch. The operation of the reset'switchalso returns the machine to normal automatic operation under the controlof the selector switches.

Many other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from considering the following detailed description inconjunction with the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa copying machine'embodying the present invention; a

FIG. 2 is a sectional view through the copying machine illustrating ashiftable original supporting frame and drive means therefor;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating the drive sys-v tern formoving the original supporting frame and a copy sheet in a synchronizedrelation with each other;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a drive assembly legs 14. Thehousing 12 includes a forwardly extending table or shelf portion 12Ahaving on its right side (FIG. 1) a slidably mounted assembly 16 forreceiving a graphic original 18 such as a book from which a copy is tobe made. The assembly 16 is reciprocated into and out of the housing 12to permit the graphic original 18 to be scanned to develop acorresponding light image. The left side of the table or shelf portion12A of the housing 12 and the aligned portion of the housing 12 includea copy sheet feeding assembly 20 which feeds a photoelectrostatic copysheet 22 (FIG. 3) in synchronism with the moving original 18 through acharging station 24 to receive a uniform electrostatic charge. Thissheet is then moved past an exposing area in synchronism with themovement of the original 18 so that the charged surface is selectivelydischarged in accordance with the light image developed by scanning theoriginal, thereby producing a latent electrostatic image. The copy sheet22 is then fed through a developer station 26 in which the latent imageis developed into a powder image, and subsequent movement of the copysheet 22 carries this sheet into a fixing or fusing station in which theloose powder image is placed in permanent form. A completed copy isdischarged into a copy receiving tray or receptacle 28 .(FIG. 1)disposed at the front of the housing 12 above the sheet feeding assembly20.

The units including the sheet feeding assembly 20, the corona chargingassembly 24, the developer station or assembly 26, the fixing station(not shown), as well as the various means for transporting the copysheet 22 are substantially identical to the similar components shown anddescribed in detail in the copending application of John L. Tregay etal., Ser. No. 389,037, filed Aug. 12, l964, which application isassigned to the same assignee as the present application. Accordingly,these portions of the copying machine are shown in schematic form, andtheir construction and operation is described only to the extentnecessary to an understanding of the present invention. Morespecifically, the assembly 20 includes a receptacle or tray containing astack of photoelectrostatic copy sheets 22 (FIG. 3). A pair of driverollers 30 secured to a shaft 32 rest on the uppermost copy sheet 22 toprovide means for feeding a single copy sheet 22 from the assembly 20into the copying machine 10. One end of the shaft 32 is coupled to adrive belt 34 through an electrically controlled clutch 36. The drivebelt or chain 34 passes around a drive pulley or sprocket 38 connectedby a shaft 40 to a pulley or sprocket 42 which is rotated by a drivechain or belt 44 passing around a drive pulley or sprocket 46 which isdriven by a main drive motor 48 for the machine 10.

Accordingly, whenever the clutch 36 is rendered effective to couple theshaft 32 to the drive belt 34, the sheet engaging rollers 30 advance theuppermost copy sheet 22 toward the nip between a pair of feed rollers 50and 52. The roller 50 is biased against the roller 52 which is securedto a shaft 54. A combined clutch-brake unit including an electricallycontrollable brake 56 and electrically controlled clutch 58 selectivelycontrols rotation of the shaft 54. Energization of the brake unit 56arrests rotation of the shaft 54. Energization of the clutch unit 58couples the shaft 54 to a shaft 60 connected to a gear or pulley 62 thatis continuously rotated by the main drive motor 48 through the belt orchain 44, a pair of pulleys 64 and 66 secured to one end of a shaft 68,and a drive belt or chain 70. The brake 56 is released, and the clutch58 is energized when the rollers 30 feed the leading edge of the copysheet 22 into the nip between the rollers 50 and 52. The rotatingrollers 50 and 52 advance the leading edge of the copy sheet 22 throughthe nip toward the charging station 24 so that the leading edge of thecopy sheet 22 engages and actuates a control switch 72. The operation ofthe switch 72 releases the clutch 36 to terminate rotation of the feedrollers 30, energizes the brake 56 to stop movement of the shaft 54, andreleases the clutch 58 to interrupt the driving connection between theshafts 54 and 60. The copy sheet remains in this position until theassembly 16 moves the original 18 to a proper position relative to anexposing assembly or system.

The exposing assembly orsystem is substantially identical to that shownin the above-identified disclosure and includes a line light source 74disposed adjacent a reflector 76 to focus light on an illuminatingarea'78 disposed in the path of movement of the original 18 on the assembly16. The light reflected from theoriginal 18 is transmitted by an opticalsystem including, for instance, reflective surfaces and lenses, to anexposing area 80. The areas 78 and 80 preferably are spaced apart anddisposed in substantially parallel and horizontal planes. When movementof the assembly 16 places the original 18 at a predetermined positionrelative to the illuminating area 78, the brake 56 is released, and theclutch 58 is energized so that the rollers 50 and 52 feed the copy sheet22 through the charging station 24 in which it receives a uniformelectrostatic charge. Asthe leading edge of the sheet 22 leaves thecharging station 24, an additional control switch 82 is actuated. v

The copy sheet 22 now moves over the exposing area 80 in synchronizedrelation with movement of the original 18 past the illuminating area 78so that the uniform electrostatic charge on the copy sheet 22 isdissipated in accordance with the receiving light image to provide anelectrostatic image. The leading edge of the copy sheet 22 then passesinto the nip between a pair of rollers 84 and 86 to be advanced to thedeveloper station 26. The roller 86 is secured to the shaft 68 and iscontinuously rotated by the motor 48 through the belt 44 and the pulley64. The rollers 84 and 86 advance the copy sheet 22 through thedeveloper station 26 in which the electrostatic image is converted tothe powder image. The sheet 22 is then conveyed to a fixing station (notshown) such as a heating means disclosed in the aboveidentifieddisclosure in which the loose powder image is placed in a permanentform. As the trailing edge of the copy sheet 22 passes beyond theswitches 72 and 82, these switches are released. When the original 18has been completely scanned, the assembly 16 is returned to its normalposition.

Referring now more specifically to the original supporting and movingassembly 16, this assembly is moved by a drive means indicated generallyas 90 (FIG. 3) to a position in which the original 18 is disposedadjacent the illuminating area 78, and the assembly is thereafter movedin synchronism with the movement of the copy sheet 22 past the exposingarea 80 to develop a light image for selectively discharging the chargedsurface of the copy sheet 22. The assembly 16 includes a supportingtable or frame 92 (FIGS. 1-3) which is slidably mounted on the housing12 and the shelf portion 12A for generally horizontal reciprocatingmovement in a plane generally parallel to the illuminating area 78 andthe exposing area 80. The table 92 is slidably supported by any suitablemeans such as a pair of guideways 94 (FIG. 3) carried on the housing 12.The frame 92 is apertured to receive a transparent member 96, commonlyglass, normally covered by a flexible opaque cover member 98 (FIG. 1)that is pivotally mounted to the frame 92 along one edge or at one endof the glass pane 96. When an original 18 is to be copied, it is placedwith the material to be copied'facing downwardly toward the glass pane96, and the flexible cover 98 is then placed over the original 18 asillustrated in FIG. 1. v

The drive means 90 provides means for shifting the table or frame 92relative to the illuminating area 78 and more particularly between anormal position illustrated in FIG. 3 and a displaced position disposeddownwardly and to the left from the illustrated position. The drivemeans 90 includes a flexible connecting element, such as a wire 100,secured at one end to a bracket 102 that is secured to and depends fromthe lower surface of the frame 92. The wire 100 passes around a pulley104 (FIGS. 2 and 3) secured to the housing 12, and several convolutionsof the wire 100pass around a pulley 106 which is provided with a helicalgroove and which is secured to one end of a shaft 108 (FIG. 4) of areturn motor 110. The motor 110 is secured to a wall 112A of asupporting frame 112 carried on the housing 12. The wire 100 then passesaround a pulley 114 carried on the wall 112A and an additional pulley116 rotatably mounted on the projecting portion 12A of the housing 12 sothat the other end of the wire 100 can be secured to a forward portionof the bracket 102. The direction of rotation of the motor 110 is suchthat the grooved pulley 106 rotates in a clockwise direction to move thetable 92 from left to right in FIG. 3. This movement returns the table92 from a displaced position, which can be different for differentlengths of copy sheets 22, at a speed greater than the speed at whichthe table 92 is moved from right to left (FIG. 3) during scanning toreduce the cycle time necessary for each copy.

To provide means for moving the table 92 from right to left in FIG. 3 insynchronism with and preferably at the sa'mespeed as the copy sheet 22,the wire 100 is driven by the motor 48 which also actuates the drivesystem for the copy sheet 22. More specifically, a shaft 118 which isrigidly secured to the pulley 106 extends into an electricallycontrolled clutch assembly 120 in which terminates one endof a shaft122. The other end of the shaft 122 carries a drive pulley 124 which iscoupled by abelt 126 to a pulley 128 that is secured to one end of theshaft 68. As set forth above, the shaft 68 is driven by the motor 48 insynchronism with the rotation of the rollers 50, 52, 84, and 86. Thus,the shaft 122 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction in synchronismwith the rotation of the feeding means for the copy sheet 22. When theclutch 120 is energized to'couple the shaft 122 to the shaft 118, the'pulley 106 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and the upperlength of the wire 100 is moved from left to 'right to move the frame 92in the same direction. The assembly 90 also includes an electrieallycontrolled brake 130 which, when energized, arrests movement of theshaft 118 and thus stops rotation of the pulley 106 to stop the frame 92in a predetermined position. The brake 130 is normally applied to lockthe table 96 against movement. This is desirable because the positioningof articles to be copied, such as heavy books, on the table 96 mightdisplace this'table from its normal position.

To control the synchronized movement of the table 92 and the copy sheet22, the machine includes a plurality of switches actuated in dependenceon the position of the table 92. More specifically,'three switches 132,134, and 136 are normally maintained in aclosed or operated condition byengagement with the depending bracket 102 when the table 92 is in itsnormal position. The switches 136,134, and 132 are released in" thissequence as the table 92 moves from right to left and are operated inthe reverse order when the table returns to a normal position movingfrom left to right. A normally open switch 138 is actuated if the table92 moves too far to the left and provides a limit switch.

To prevent any possibility of injury to the operator during returnmovement of the table 92 to its normal position, the edge of this tablepositioned most closely to the operator, i.e., the forward edge of thetable 92 (FIG. 1) is provided with a bumper of resilient material withinwhich is disposed a bar or plate 140 (FIG. 3) slidably mounted on thetable 92 by a pair of rods 142. The bar or operator 140 is resilientlybiased to its outer position. If an obstruction is encountered duringmovement of the table 92, the bar 140 is depressed against the resilientbias and actuates a switch 144. This actuation of the switch 144immediately arrests movement of the table 92.

FIG. 4 of the drawings illustrates the details of the drive assembly ordrive means 90. The shaft 122 which is continuously rotated through thedrive system actuated by the motor 48 is rotatably mounted on a wall112B on the frame of the wall 112 by supporting structure 150 carrying aplurality of sets of bearings 152 and 154. The inner end of the shaft122 is keyed to a combined winding and field structure 156 in the clutchassembly 120. The clutch assembly also includes a generally circularmagnetic plate 158 which is mounted on a sleeve 160 that is keyed to oneend of the shaft 118. The shaft 118 is rotatably mounted on the wall112B by a bearing assembly 162. When the winding in the assembly 156 isenergized, the magnetic plate 158 is coupled to the field structure ofthe assembly 156, and the shafts 122 and 118 are coupled for rotation.

The brake assembly includes a combined field structure and windingassembly 164 which is rigidly secured to the supporting wall 112B. Thisassembly also includes a generally circular and magnetic member 166carried by a sleeve 168 that is keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft118. The shaft 118, as set forth above, is rigidly secured to the pulley106. Whenever the winding in the assembly 164 is energized, the fieldattracts the member 166 toward the field structure of the assembly 164and thus couples the shaft 118 to the frame 112 and arrests rotation ofthe pulley 106.

FIGS. 5A and SB of the drawings illustrate a control circuit forcontrolling the operation of the machine 10. In the normal or offcondition of the machine, a heater 246 (FIG. 5B) is intermittentlyconnected across an alternating current input line by a humiditycontrolled switch 248. The heater 246 and the humidity switch 248 aredisposed Within the enclosure for the paper feeding assembly 20 andserve to maintain the copy sheets 22 at uniform humidity. The heater 246and the switch 248 are effective to control the humidity within theenclosure for the copy sheets 22 independent of the on or off conditionof the machine 10.

When the machine is to be placed in operation, a start switch 252 isclosed so that the windings of a start relay 250 are energized to closetwo pairs of contacts 250A and 250B. The closure of these contactsenergizes an input power transformer 244 to supply power to the machine10. The energization of the input transformer 01' autotransformer causesthe illumination of a lamp 254 to provide a visible indication of the oncondition of the machine.

The application of power to the input transformer 244 energizes a pairof motors 234 and 236. The motor 234 drives a conveying mechanism (notshown) for conveying the copy sheets 22 containing the powder imagethrough the fixing or fuser station. The motor 236 operates a blower forthe fuser station. The application of power to the machine 10 alsodirectly energizes a heater 238 and energizes an additional heater 240through a temperature responsive switch 232 including a pair of normallyclosed contacts 232B. When the temperature at the fusing station reachesa predetermined level, the temperature responsive switch 232 opens thecontacts 232B and closes a pair of normally open contacts 232A. Theopening of the contacts 232B terminates the energization of the heater240 so that only the heater 238 remains effectiverThe closure of thecontacts 232A forwards alternating current power to a transformer 224for supplying power to other parts of the control circuit.

One output of the transformer 224 is connected across a fullwaverectifier bridge 206 (FIG. 5A) so that direct current power is madeavailable to an additional portion of the control circuit. As set forthabove, the switches 132, 134, and 136 are normally maintained in anoperated condition by the table 92 in its normal position, and theseswitches are shown in their operated condition. The switches 132 and 134each includes a pair of contacts normally held in open condition, andthe switch 136 includes a pair of normally open contacts 136B and a pairof normally closed contacts 136A. The closed contacts 7 136A complete anenergizing circuit for the windings of two relays 190 and 192. When therelay 190 is operated, a pair of contacts 190A are opened to interruptone'part of an energizing circuit for one winding 169B of a mechanicallatching relay 169, and a pair of contacts 190B are closed to prepare aportion of an operating circuit for a second winding 169A on the relay169. The closure of a pair of contacts 1900 when the relay 190 isoperated energizes the winding of the brake assembly 130 so that therotation of the pulley 106 is arrested. Thus, the frame or table 92forthe original'18 is braked or held in its normal home position. Theclosure'of a pair of contacts 192A when the relay 192 is operatedprepares an operating circuit for the clutch 36 which controls thefeeding of copy sheets 22 into the machine 10 from'the assembly 20, and'the opening of a pair of contacts 192B interrupts a portion of oneoperating circuit for a lamp relay 230 that controls the energization ofthe lamp 74. The connection of power to the bridge 206 also illuminatesa lamp 165 over a circuit including two pairs of normally closedcontact's'184A and 188A to 'provide a visible indication that themachine 10 is prepared for selection of the number of copies to beproduced. I

The machine 10 includes a switch 202 which is operated to a positionclosing a pair of contacts 202A when an adequate supply of copy sheets22 are in the assembly 20. Alternatively, when an insufiicient supply ofcopy sheets is provided, the switch 202 is operated to a condition inwhich the contacts 202A are opened, and a pair of cont'acts202B areclosed. The closure of the contacts 202B completes an energizing circuitfor the winding of a relay 188 over a circuit including a pair ofnormally closed contacts 200B to operate the relay 188. When this relayis operated, the contacts 188A are opened, and a pair of contacts 188Bare closed. This terminates the illumination of the lamp 165 to providea visible indication that the machine 10 is not ready for reproductionand completes a circuit for energizing a lamp 167 which provides avisible indication that the supply of copy sheets 22 has been depleted.

To prepare the machine for producing copies, the graphic original 18 isplaced on the table 92 beneath the flexible cover 98 and overlying the.transparent pane 96. The machine can then be conditioned for automaticreproduction of a desired number of copies by manually actuating one ofa plurality of mechanically interlocked push buttons 159 (FIGS. 1 and A)carried on the right handportion of the projection 12A from the housing12. Each of these push buttons contains an individual illuminating lamp163 (FIG. 5A) and three normally open contacts 159A, 159B, and 159C.Assuming that the switch 159 representing five copies is depressed toprepare the machine for automatically producing five copies of theoriginal 18, the three pairs of contacts designated as 159A, 159B, and159C in FIG. 5A of the drawings are closed. The closure of the contacts159B connects a reset coil or solenoid 174 in a stepping switch 170which counts the number of copies produced by the machine. 10 to thefifth contact in a contact bank 172A in this counting switch, therebypreparing a circuit for restoring the switch 17 0 to a normal'position.The closure of the contacts 159B also connects the fifth contact in thebank 172A to the winding of a push button reset'solenoid 161 over acircuit including a pair of normally closed contacts 182B. When the.solenoid 161 is energized, a detent mechanism for holding an operatedone of the push buttons in an operated condition is released to restoreall of the push buttons to a normal state. The closure of the contacts159A completes an obvious circuit for illuminating the lamp 163associated with the 5 push button to provide a visible indication of thenumber of copies-selected. The closure of the contacts 159C completesanenergizing circuit for a pair of relays 184 and 186 as well asconnecting one terminal of the bridge 206 over a circuit including aplurality of normally closed contacts 180B and 194B to the wiper of thecontact bank 172A.

The operation of the relay 184 opens the contacts 184A to terminate theillumination-of the lamp 165 and provide a visible indication that thecop y selection has been made. The operation of the'relay 184 alsocloses a pair of contacts 1843 to prepare a portion of an operatingcircuit for the windings 169A and 169B onthelatching relay 169. Theoperation of'the relay 186 closes a pair of contacts 186B (FIG. 5B) in atime relay circuit associated with a relay 220to operate this-relay andto provide the'time delay interval described in detail in theabove-identified disclosure. The operation of the relay 220 closes aplurality of contacts 220A and 220B (FIG/5B). The closure of thesecontacts completes an obvious energizing circuit for the main'drivemotor'48 and for two additional motors'226 and 228. The motor226operates a blower'used'in feeding copy sheets from a deyeloper station224 to the fusing statio'nQThe motor 228 operates a blower'for coolingthe lamp 74. The ener'gization of the main drive motor 48' places thedrive system and drive means operated by this motor in operation. Theoperation of the relay 186 also closes a pair of contacts 186C (FIG. 5B)so that a power supply 222 is rendered effective to energize coronadischarge wires at the. charging station 24 and an additional'coronadischarge wire providing developer bias in the developer station 26. Theclosure of the contacts 186A upon operation of therelay 186 completes anenergizing circuit for the feeder clutch 36 extending through the closedcontacts A, 192A, 186A, 202A, and 200B. Since this circuit includes thecontacts 192A closed by the relay 192 when the table 92 is in itsnormalposition, the operation of the machine 10 cannot be initiated when thetable 92 is away from its normal position. The energization of the.clutch 36 renders the feeder wheels 30 (FIG. 3) effective to advance acopy sheet 22 into the nip between the rollers 50 and 52. The clutch 58for driving the rollers 50, 52 is now energized over a circuit includingthe closed contacts 200B so that these rollers receive the leading edgeof the copy sheet fed by the rollers 30 and advances it to a positiondisposed adjacent the corona discharge unit 24 to actuate the switch 72.Theactuation of the switch 72 indicates thata copy sheet 22 is inposition for a copying operation.

The closure of the switch 72 completes an energizing circuit for thewindings of two relays 198 and 200. When the relay 200 operates, twopairs of contacts 200A and 200C are closed, and the contacts 200B areopened. The closure of the contacts 200A prepares a circuit forenergizing the motor magnet 172 for the stepping switch 170. The openingof the contacts 200B interrupts the abovedescribed circuits for theclutch windings 36 and58 so that the feeder wheels 30 no longer advancethe copy sheet and the rollers 50 and 52 are no longer rotated. Thisstops the copy sheet 22 in a predetermined position approaching theentry to the corona charging unit 24. The. closure. of the contacts 200Ccompletes a circuit over a pair of normally closed contacts 194D forenergizing the brake 56 to arrest rotation of the shaft 54 and .that ofthe rollers 50 and 52 with the copy sheet 22 in the desired position.The. closure of the contacts 200C also operates a solenoid in amechanical counter 204 which provides a running total of the number ofcopies produced bythe machine 10. The closure of the contacts 200Dprepares a circuit including the closed contacts 220B and a pair ofcontacts 138C on the limit switch 138 for operating a lamp relay 230,which circuit is interrupted at the open contacts 192B.

Theoperation of the relay 198 opens the contacts 198A and closes aplurality of contacts 198B and 198C. The opening of the contacts 198Ainterrupts another point in the circuit for the winding 169B of thelatching relay 169, and the closure ofthe contacts 198B completes 81161161? gizing circuit-including the closedcontacts 196A, 184B, B, and198B for energizing the winding 169A of the latching relay 169. Thisoperation of the relay 169-closes 9 a pair of contacts 169C and opens apair of contacts 169D. The opening of the contacts 169D interrupts acircuit for energizing the brake 130 for the pulley 106 so that thispulley is now freed for rotation. The closure of the contacts 169Ccompletes a circuit including the closed contacts 198C, 138A, and aseries connected resistance element 178 for energizing the clutch 120.The low level energization of the clutch 120 resulting from the seriesresistor 178 provides a slipping coupling between the shaft 122 and theshaft 118 so that the pulley 106 is slowly rotated in a counterclockwisedirection to slowly advance the table 92 to bring the leading edge ofthe original 18 to a position adjacent the illuminating area 78.

As the table 92 moves away from its normal position, the switch 136 isrestored to its normal condition. In doing so, the contacts 136A areopened to interrupt the operating circuit for the relays 190 and 192,and the contacts 136B are closed to provide a shunt around the seriesresistance 178. This provides .full energization of the winding in theclutch 120 and increases the speed at which the table 92 is driven. Thefull or complete clutching of the shaft 122 to the shaft 118 insuresthat the table 92 moves the original 18 past the illuminating area 78 ina synchronized relation with the movement of the copy sheet 22 past theexposing area 80 under the control of the drive system actuated by themotor 48.

The release of the relay 190 closes the contacts 190A and opens thecontacts 190B and 190C. The opening of the contacts 190B interrupts theabove-described energizing circuit for the winding 169A of the latchingrelay 169. Since this relay is latched in either of its two alternateconditions, the contacts 169C remain closed, and the contacts 169Bremain opened. The closure of the contacts 190A prepares a circuit forenergizing the winding 169B of the relay 169, but this energizingcircuit is interrupted at the open contacts 198A. The opening of thecontacts 190C interrupts an additional point in the energizing cira cuitfor the winding of the brake 130.

When the relay 192 is released, the contacts 192A are opened, and thecontacts 192B are closed. The opening of the contacts 192A interrupts anadditional point in the circuit for energizing the winding of the feederclutch 36. The closure of the contacts 192B coupled with the priorclosure of the contacts 200D when the copy sheet is advanced to itsready position completes a circuit including the closed contacts 220B,192B, 200D, and 138C for energizing the winding of a lamp relay 230.When the relay 230 is operated, a pair of contacts 230A are opened toenergize the lamp 74. Thus, the lamp 74 is now illuminated to. preparethe exposure system for operation.

As the table or frame 92 moves through its next increment of movement,the switch 134 is released to close the contacts 134. The closure of thecontacts 134 prepares an operating circuit for a control relay 176 whichcontrols the energization of the return drive motor 110. However, thiscircuit is interrupted at the open contacts 169D.

As the table or original supporting frame 92 approaches the illuminatingarea 78, the switch 132 is released to close a pair of normally opencontacts which energize the winding of a relay 194. When the relay 194is operated, the contacts 194B are opened to interrupt the connection tothe wiper for the switch bank 172A, and a pair of contacts 194A areclosed to provide an energizing circuit for the motor magnet 172. Theswitch 170 is an indirect drive switch and is spring advanced when themotor magnet 172 is released. A pair of contacts 161A are momentarilyclosed by operating any of the push buttons 159 and serve to hold themagnet 172 energized if the push buttons are operated to change thenumber of copies in an order after the machine has been started. Theoperation of the relay 194 also opens the contacts 194D and closes apair of contacts 194C. The opening of the contacts 194D releases thecounter 204 and the brake 56, and the closure of the contacts 194Cenergizes the clutch 58 so that movement of the copy sheet 22 isinitiated.

The rotation of the drive rolls 50 and 52 now advances the leadingportion of the copy sheet through the charging station 24 in which oneor both surfaces receive a uniform electrostatic charge. When thecharged sheet leaves the charging station 24 and passes over theexposure area 80, the switch 82 is operated to complete an energizingcircuit for a winding of a relay 196. When the relay 196 is operated,the contacts 196A are opened to interrupt an additional point in theenergizing circuit for the winding 169A of the relay 169. The closure ofa pair of contacts 196B when the relay 196 operates completes an alternative circuit for maintaining the energization of the clutch 120. Theclosure of the contacts 196C (FIG. 5B) completes an alternative circuitincluding the closed contacts 220B and 138C for maintaining theenergization of the winding of the lamp relay 230. The closure of thecontacts 196D energizes a motor 216 driving a cam which periodicallycloses a pair of contacts 218. This energizes a vibrator winding 210through a potentiometer 214 and a rectifier 208. The vibrator winding210 forms a portion of a toner dispenser and is periodically energizedunder the control of the timer motor 216 to dispense additional toner tothe developer station 26 in dependence on the linear length of copysheets 22 fed through the machine 10. A push button 212 provides analternate means for manually controlling the dispensing of toner.

The graphic original 18 on the table 92 and the copy sheet 22 are nowadvanced past the illuminating area 78 and the exposing area insynchronism with each other by means of the drive system actuated by themotor 48. As the trailing edge of the copy sheet 22 passes beyond theswitch 72, this switch is released to release the relays 198 and 200.The release of the relays 198 and 200 restores the contacts controlledthereby to their normal condition, and, in doing so, prepares thecontrol circuit for the next copying operation. When the relay 200releases to open the contacts 200A, the energizing circuit for the motormagnet 172 is interrupted, and the switch 170 releases to advance thewipers in the contact banks 172A and 172B a single step from theirnormal home position to a first position representing the first copyproduced by the machine 10. Since the push button switching assembly 159representing five copies has been actuated, this movement of the wiperin the switch bank 172A does not produce any useful function. However,the wiper in the bank 172B completes an obvious circuit for energizingthe lamp 163 representing a single copy. Thus, the push button 1 isilluminated to provide a visible indication that the first copy of thefive copies requested has been produced.

As the trailing edge of the copy sheet 22 passes beyond the chargingstation 24, thus indicating that the original 18 has been moved past theilluminating area 78 and that the copy sheet 22 has been'fully exposedat the exposing area 80, the switch 82 is released to interrupt theoperating circuit for the relay 196. This releases the relay 196 andprepares the machine 10 for returning the table 92 to its normalposition and for continuing the feeding of the exposed copy sheet 22through the machine to be ejected into the copy receiving receptacle ortray 28. The switch 82 is released at different times in dependence onthe length of the copy sheet 22. Thus, the return of the table 92 to itsnormal position is started at different points in its forward orscanning movement in dependence on the length of the copy sheet 22, or,indirectly, on the length of the original to be copied. The controlexercised by the release of the switch 82 could also be exerted byswitches actuated by movement of the table 92 to different positionscorresponding to the different lengths of the copy sheets 22.

When the relay 196 is released, the opening of the contacts 196C (FIG.5B) interrupts the operating circuit for the lamp relay 230 so that thisrelay releases to open the contacts 230A. This terminates theillumination of the lamp. The opening of the contacts 1963, the

contacts 198C having been previously opened, interrupts the energizingcircuit for the winding in the clutch assembly 120 so that the shaft 118is no longer clutched to the shaft 122. Thus, the table 92 is no longerdriven in its forward direction by the drive system actuated by themotor 48. The closure of the contacts 196A completes a circuit forenergizing the winding 169B of the latching relay 169, this circuitextending through the closed contacts 196A, 184B, 190A, and 198A.

When the winding 169B of the latching relay 169 is actuated, thecontacts 169C are opened, and the contacts 169D are closed. The openingof the contacts 169C interrupts an additional point in the previouslyinterrupted circuit for the winding in the clutch assembly 120. Theclosure of the contacts 169D completes a circuit extending through theclosed switch 134, and the closed contacts 144A on the safety switch 144for energizing the winding of the relay 176. On operating, the relay 176closes two pairs of normally open contacts 176A and 176B (FIG. SE) tocomplete an energizing circuit for the return motor 110. When the motor110 is energized, the pulley 106 is rotated in a clockwise direction,and the table 92 moves from left to right (FIG. 3) to return the tabletoward its normal position. During this interval, the copy sheet 22continues to move through the machine to complete the development of theelectrostatic image and the fixing of the powder image.

As the table 92 moves toward its normal home position, the switch 132 isfirst opened to interrupt the energizing circuit for the relay 194 sothat this relay releases and restores its contacts to their normalpositions and conditions the control circuit for another cycle ofoperation. The switch 134 is next opened to interrupt theabove-described energizing circuit for the winding of the relay 176 andthis relay is released to open the contacts 176A and 176B and toterminate operation of the return motor 110.

When the table 92 reaches its home position, the switch 136 is operatedto close the contacts 136A and to open the contacts 136B. The opening ofthe contacts 136B removes the shunt around the resistance 178 in theinterrupted circuit for energizing the winding in the clutch 120. Theclosure of the contacts 136A again operates the relays 190 and 192 sothat the contacts controlled thereby are moved to their actuatedpositions. The closure of the contacts 190C energizes the winding in thebrake assembly 130 so that rotation of the shaft 118 and of the drivepulley 106 is damped so that the table 92 comes to a stop. The openingof the contacts 190A interrupts the energizing circuit for the winding169B. However, the contacts 169C remain open and the contacts 169Dclosed because of the mechanical latching arrangement embodied in therelay 169. The closure of the contacts 192A once again completes thecircuit for the winding in the clutch 36 so that the rollers 30 feed thenext copy 22 in the assembly toward the nip between the rotating rollers50 and 52.

When the copy sheet 22 being fed by the roller 30 reaches the nipbetween the rollers 50, 52 and is advanced to its ready position inwhich its leading edge engages and operates the switch 72, the relays198 and 200 are again operated. The control circuit controls theproduction of the second copy of the original 18 by reciprocating theplatform 92 in synchronism with feeding the selected copy 22 in themanner described above during which the stepping switch 170 is advancedso that the wipers in the banks 172A and 172B are advanced to theirsecond positions, thus terminating illumination of the 1 lamp 163 andilluminating the 2 lamp 163 to indicate the production of the secondcopy.

This operation continues until such time as, during the production ofthe fifth copy, the trailing edge of the fifth copy sheet 22 passesbeyond the switch 72 so that this switch is released to release therelays 198 and 200. In releasing the relay 200, the contacts 200A areagain opened to release the motor magnet 172. At this time, the wipersin the banks 172A and 172B advance to their fifth position. The wiper inthe bank 172B energizes the fifth lamp 163 which has been energizedthrough the closed contacts 159A on the 5 push button 159. The lightingof only the fifth lamp 163 indicates the completion of the requestednumber of copies. The wiper in the bank 172A prepares a circuit forresetting the push buttons and the stepping switch 170.

More specifically, with the wiper in the bank 172A in engagement withits fifth contact, the winding of the solenoid 161 and the winding ofthe reset magnet 174 are connected through the closed contacts 159B inthe fifth push button 159 over the wiper in the blank 172A to the opencontacts 194B on the relay 194. When the table 92 moves toward itsnormal position, the switch 132 is again operated to interrupt theoperating circuit for the relay 194, and this relay releases to closethe contacts 194B. This further connects the windings of the resetsolenoid 161 and the reset magnet 174 over the closed contacts 1803 andthe closed contacts 1590 on the operated push button 159 to the bridge206. When the solenoid 174 is energized, the wipers in the switch banks172A and 172B are restored to their normal condition, which, in turn,interrupts the above-described circuit for energizing the solenoids 161and 174. The energization of the solenoid 161 releases the mechanicalinterlock for the copy selecting push buttons so that the contacts 159A,159B, and 159C for the selected push button 159 are all released torestore the copy selecting mechanism to its normal condition.

These operations terminate the illumination of the 5 lamp 163 andrelease the relays 184 and 186. The release of the relay 186 opens thecontacts 186A to prevent the energization of the clutch 36 and thefeeding of an additional copy sheet 22 into the machine 10. The closureof the contacts 184A illuminates the lamp 165 to provide a visibleindication that the machine 10 is ready for the next copy order. Theopening of the contacts 186B starts the ninety second delay period ofthe delay circuit associated with the relay 220 so that this relayreleases to open the contacts 220A and 220B in the event that a copyorder is not placed by actuating one of the push buttons 159 within theninety second time interval. The release of the relay 220 terminates theenergization of the motors 48, 228, and 226 until such time as theiroperation is required for the production of additional copies. Theopening of the contacts 186C disables the power supply 222 (FIG. 5B) sothat the corona bias and corona charging potentials are no longersupplied to the stations 24 and 26. The machine 10 remains in thiscondition until the next copy order is placed by actuating one of theten push buttons 159.

As indicated above, the switch 144 provides a safety control to preventreturn movement of the platform or table 92 if this return movement is,in any sense, obstructed. When the table 92 strikes an obstructionduring return movement, the bar 140 actuates the switch 144 (FIG. 3) sothat the normally closed contacts 144A (FIG. 5A) are opened and a pairof contacts 144B is closed. The opening of the contacts 144A interruptsthe operating circuit for the relay 176 so that the COntacts 176A and176B are opened to terminate energization of th return drive motor 110.This stops the. return drive for the table 92. The closure of thecontacts 144B energizes the winding in the brake assembly so thatrotation of the shaft 118 and thus of the pulley 106 is immediatelyarrested. Whenever the obstruction to the return of the table orplatform 92 is removed so that the switch 144 is released, the closureof the contacts 144A immediately reoperates the relay 176 to start thereturn motor 110, and the opening of the contacts 144B releases thebrake 130. This emergency arresting of the table return drive does notaffect the movement of the copy sheet 22 or the completion of the copythereon.

As set forth above, the return movement of the frame 92 is normallyinitiated when the trailing edge of the copy sheet 22 passes theexposing area 80 so that the switch 82 is released to release the relay196. However, if the paper becomes jammed in the machine or if a verylong length of copy sheet 22 is fed into the machine, the switch 82remains actuated beyond the time at which the table 92 reaches itsdisplaced or left-hand (FIG. 3) position. If this occurs, the table 92engages the operator for the limit switch 138 to operate this switch toopen the contacts 138A and 138C and to close a pair of normally opencontacts 138B. The opening of the contacts 138A terminates theenergization of the winding in the clutch as sembly 120 so that theshaft 118 and the drive pulley 106 are isolated from the rotating shaft122, thus stopping forward movement of the frame 92. The closure of thecontacts 138B energizes the winding in the brake assembly 130 to arrestfurther forwardmovement of the table 92. The opening of the contacts138C (FIG. 5B) releases the relay 230 to terminate the energization ofthe lamp 74 and prevents overheating. When the jam is cleared or whenthe end of the copy sheet 22 passes beyond the switch 82 to release thisswitch, the table 92 is returned to its normal position in the mannerdescribed above, and the switch 138 is released to restore the contacts138A, 138B, and 138C to their normal positions.

The machine can also be conditioned for manually feeding individual copysheets 22 into the nip between the rollers 50 and 52 without using theassembly 20. More specifically, by manually actuating a switch or pushbutton 175, a circuit is completed for operating a manual control relay180 which prepares the machine for a manual operation. When the relay180 is operated, the contacts 180A are opened to disable the circuit forenergizing theclutch 36 for the feeding assembly 20. The operation ofthe relay 180 also opens the contacts 180B and closes a pair of contacts180C. The closure of the contacts 180C completes an operating circuitfor the relays 184 and 186 which are normally operated under the controlof one of the ten push buttons 159. The opening of the contacts 180Bopens a point in the circuit described above for pulsing the motormagnet 172. Thus, the stepping switch 170 is not actuated during manualoperation. The machine 10 can now be operated by manually feeding thecopy sheets 22 between the nip between the rollers 50 and 52 to controlthe actuation of the switch 72. Thereafter, continued feeding of thecopy sheet 22 and the operation of the machine 10 is similar to thatdescribed above for automatic operation. A lamp 163' also is energizedby the closed contacts of the manual push button 175 to provide avisible indication that the machine 10 is conditioned for manualoperation.

The machine 10 can be restored to normal automatic operation byactuating a momentary reset push button or switch 173 including twopairs of normally open contacts 173A and 173B which are not coupled tothe release solenoid 161. The closure of the contacts 173A energizes thesolenoid 161 to release the closed contacts 175. The opening of thecontacts 175 terminates the energization of the manual indicating lamp163 and releases the relay 180'. The release of the relay 180 releasesthe relays 184 and 186 and returns control over the clutch 36 to thecontrol circuit.

The closure of the contacts 173A is also effective over a circuitincluding the normally closed contacts 182B to energize the reset magnet174 to insure that the counting switch 170 is in its normal position.The closure of the contacts 173B energizes the winding 1698 of thelatching relay 169 to insure that the contacts 1690 are opened and thecontacts 169D closed. The closure of the contacts 169D insures that thebrake assembly 130 is rendered effective whenever the platform or table92 is in its normal position in which the contacts 190C of the relay 190are closed. Thus, the machine 10 can be restored to its normal conditionby momentarily actuating the reset switch 173.

To condition the machine 10 for continuous operation, a continuousoperation push button 171 is actuated to close three pairs of contacts171A, 171B, and 171C, which contacts are latched in a closed condition.The closure of the contacts 171A energizes a lamp 163 to provide avisible indication that the machine is in condition for continuousoperation. The closure of the contacts 171A also completes an operatingcircuit for a relay 182 which operates to open the contacts 182B and toclose a pair of contacts 182A. The opening of the contacts 182Binterrupts the circuit for energizing the release solenoid 161 under thecontrol of the setting of the stepping switch 170.

The closure of the contacts 182A connects the reset magnet 174 of thestepping switch to the closed contacts 171B in the continuous operationpush button 171. These contacts are connected to the tenth contact inthe bank 172A of the switch 170. The closure of the contacts 171Ccompletes an operating circuit for the relays 184 and 186 to start themachine 10 as well as prepares a path over the contacts B and 194B forcontrolling the energization of the reset magnet 174 in dependence onthe setting of the wiper in the contact bank 172A. Thus, the machine 10now continuously produces copies by automatically feeding sheets 22 fromthe assembly 20 into the machine 10. Whenever the stepping switch 170reaches its tenth setting, a circuit is completed from one side of thefull-wave rectifier bridge 206 through the closed contacts 171C, 180B,194B, the wiper in the contact bank 172A, and the closed contacts 171Band 182A for energizing the reset magnet 174. Thus, the stepping switch170 is reset to a normal position after the production of each tencopies when the machine 10 is conditioned for continuous operation. Themachine 10 is restored to a normal condition by momentarily operatingthe reset button 173 so that the solenoid 161 restores the contacts171A, 171B, and 171C to a normal condition. Incident to this restorationoperation, the relay 182 is released to open the contacts 182A and toclose the contacts 182B.

With the illustrated copy machine, it is possible to safely change acopy order after operation of the machine has been started by depressionof one of the push buttons or selector switches 159'. As set forthabove, the lamp 163 associated with the push button corresponding to thenumber of copies previously produced in the order is illuminated underthe control of the counter or stepping switch 170. If the illuminatedpush button is depressed, the reset magnet 174 and the release solenoid161 are immediately operated to stop the machine in the manner describedabove. If the push button operated represents a number greater than thatpreviously produced by the machine, the machine will continue to operateuntil the new number of copies has been produced. The contacts 161A,which are momentarily closed as one push button is operated and thepreviously operated push button is released, hold the magnet 172operated to prevent false operation of the counting switch 170'.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to asingle illustrative embodiment thereof, it should be understood thatnumerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by thoseskilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of theprinciples of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

1. A copying machine for making copies of an original on copy sheetscomprising copying means including both means for producing an image ona copy sheet in accordance with an original and first copy sheet feedingmeans for feeding a copy sheet through the copying means,

second copy sheet feeding means disposed in proximity to the first copysheet feeding means and operable to feed a copy sheet to the first copysheet feeding means,

15 a control circuit connected to the copying means and the first andsecond copy sheet feeding means for controlling the operation of thecopying means and for controlling the operation of the first and secondcopy sheet feeding means,

successive settings representing the number of copies made by thecopying machine, a plurality of selector switches connected to the con-16 the counting means for operating the release means when the number ofcopies produced by the machine equals the number" represented by anactuated selector switch, and means in the control circuit andcontrolled by the a plurality of manually operable selector switchesconselector switches for controlling the control circuit nected to thecontrol circuit to control the operation to maintain the operation ofthe copying means of the control circuit and each representing adifierwhen a selector switch representing a number of ent number ofcopies, each of said selector switches, copies equal to or more than thenumber of copies when operated, controlling the control circuit to madeby the machine is operated'to an actuated operate the copying means andthe first copy sheet position and a previously operated selector switchfeeding means for the period of time required to is released to a normalposition during the operaproduce the selected number of copies andcontrolling tion of the copying means, thereby to permit the the controlcircuit to operate the second copy sheet number of copies to be producedby the machine feeding means to feed the selected number of C PY to bechanged during operation of the machine; sheets to the first feedingmeans, and 4. The copying machine set forth'inclaim 3 including a firstadditional selector switch connected to the conan indicating meansassociated with each 'of the trol circuit and manually operable tocontrol the selector switches, j control circuit to place the copyingmeans and the first means connected to the indicating means "and firstsheet feeding means in operation and to inhibit 2O controlled by theselector switches for operating the operation of the second copy sheetfeeding means. indicating means associated with a selectorswitch 2. Thecopying machine set forth in claim 1 including in an actuated positionto provide an indication of a second additional selector switchconnected to the the number of copies inacopy order,'and

control circuit and manually operable to control second means connectedto the indicating means and the control circuit to continuously operatethe copycontrolled by the counting means for operating the ing means andthe first and second copy sheet feedindicating means associated with theselector switch ing means so that the copying machine continuouslyrepresenting the number of copies produced by'the produces copies untilstopped. copying machine.

3. A copying machine for making copies of an original 5. The copyingmachine set forth in claim 3 including on copy sheets comprising anadditional selector switch connected to the control copying meansincluding both means for producing circuit and operable todisable'operation of the rean image on a copy sheet in accordance withan lease means under the control of the counting means original andfirst copy sheet feeding means for to permit the copying means toproduce copies feeding a copy sheet through the copying means,continuously.

second copy sheet feeding means disposed in proximity 6. The copyingmachine set forth in claim 3 including to the first copy sheet feedingmeans and operable an additional selector switch connected to thecontrol to feed a copy sheet to the first copy sheet feeding circuit andoperable to control the control circuit means, to operate the copyingmeans and the first copy sheet a control circuit connected to thecopying means and feeding means and to inhibit operation of the secthefirst and second copy sheet feeding means for 40 0nd copy sheet feedingmeans. controlling the operation of the copying means and 7. The copyingmachine set forth in claim 6 including for controlling the operation ofthe first and second means in the control circuit controlled by theaddicopy sheet feeding means, tional selector switch for inhibitingoperation of the a counting means in the control circuit operated toCounting ans- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/ 1944 McConnellet al. 5/1963 Taini et al. 1/1967 Osborne et al.

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner R. L. MOSES, Assistant Examiner US. Cl.X.R.

